I set out today (7/11/17) to find the library recommended to me by the Culpepper Library. (I also ran in by the Culpepper Library to copy some family tree info for a friend. I had been scanning the shelves looking for things on Washington and ran across a book on his family. I messaged him to see if he was aware of it, and was able to get him information for his upcoming family reunion! Amazing God timing!)

The Handley Library in Winchester is an incredible building architecturally. I headed down to the archives and started looking through their collection of Washington items. While I didn’t find really anything new, (though I got to see some cool things), I learned that they have a French Indian War Organization whom I decided to try contacting.

Site of Fort Loudoun

When I stopped by the headquarters of the Organization, however, I discovered it was located at the site of Fort Loudoun, which George Washington designed and oversaw. Unfortunately, there isn’t anything left of the fort but a filled in well–it now has houses on the site–but, they had an audio tour with some good information.

Jackson Headquarters

As I was heading to the Fort, I had noticed a sign for the Stonewall Jackson Museum in Winchester. Since he’s my favorite Civil War General, I decided to swing by. I’m so glad I did. The site, known as Jackson’s Headquarters, was used by Jackson from 1861-1862. The house itself was built in 1854 and first belonged to a dentist, but he sold it to Col. Moore (Great Grandfather of Mary Tyler Moore). When Jackson came to town, he first stayed at the Taylor Hotel, but he had become famous (the whole “Stonewall” incident), so people were constantly trying to see him, and he never got anything done. Col. Moore knew of the situation and had planned on vacating the house, so he offered it to Jackson. Jackson moved in November of 1861, and his wife came the next month.

When he leaves in January for the Romney Campaign, his wife goes to live with the Grahams, so when he returns, he’ll go to her there and use the Moore’s home as his office. Incidentally, the wallpaper in his office, which Jackson described vividly enough that it was able to be reproduced, and when they found the original, it was the same design. Mary Tyler Moore paid for the office to be wallpapered again.

Jackson, seen through a cannon wheel

Jackson came close to quitting the war in this room as well. He and General Loring had secured Romney (despite Loring’s delays and complaints over the conditions his men were enduring.) Jackson left Loring to keep Romney secured. Though the men were safe, Loring was frustrated with Jackson, felt vulnerable, and went over Jackson’s head to the War Department to have his men recalled. Without consulting Jackson, the War Department ordered Jackson to recall Loring. Jackson was furious and promptly resigned (asked for a transfer to VMI). Joseph Johnston talked him out of it, however. Still, Jackson was proved correct when the Union forces regained Romney as soon as Loring’s men had left it.

The Museum is also unique in that it has the Battle flag of the 33rd Virginia (Stonewall Brigade). When battle flags were surrendered at Appomattox Courthouse, a soldier managed to keep this one hidden. Another amazing artifact is Jackson’s prayer book. The curator explained he has lots of personal notes inside, but they’re not opening it. That’s disappointing to me–I would love to have read Jackson’s notes and prayers. She explained that Jackson’s habit was to pray three times a day. He used to hang a handkerchief on his tent so his men knew to leave him alone.

Manassas

While I only got the abbreviated tour (I got there at 3:30, and they close at 4), I absolutely recommend this site!

From Jackson’s headquarters, I finished the drive to Manassas, where I will spend the evening before heading to Mount Vernon tomorrow. It was perfect at the end of the day to see where Stonewall became Stonewall.